How to Make a Beer Can Motorcycle

Written by candice coleman

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Your used beer cans can see new life as a motorcycle model art piece. (motorcycle image by Vlad Podkhlebnik from Fotolia.com)

Instead of relegating them to the landfill after consumption, your used beer cans can see new life as a motorcycle model. Motorcycles, or motor bikes, are two-wheeled, engine-powered vehicles. Depending on the size of the motorcycle model you wish to make, you may need several empty beer cans. Clean out and allow to dry all cans before using them in your project.

Skill level:

Moderate

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Things you need

Gloves

Protective goggles

Scissors

Aluminium beer cans

Tape

Glue

Permanent marker

Nail file

Hot glue gun

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Instructions

1

Place the first beer can so that it lays on its side. Position the scissors on the side of the can, just above its bottom. Gently open and close scissors until aluminium tears. Cut off the bottom and top of the beer can so that you are left with a ring of aluminium. Repeat on all other beer cans. You'll need at least three.

2

Cut each ring of aluminium vertically and use your gloved hands to flatten the aluminium on the table. Using pictures of your favourite type of motorcycle as a guide, trace the two wheels of the motorcycle with permanent marker. Cut the wheels out using scissors. Trace the windshield, which has a rounded top, and cut it out. You can use a nail file or sand paper to gently grind away jagged edges on the aluminium and/or apply hot glue to the edges and allow it to dry to create a protective surface.

3

Trace the shape for the seat, including extra space if the beer can motorcycle is intended to have a passenger seat. The front forks consist of thin, vertical bars of metal that travel from the centre of the front wheel to the handlebars. Trace those parts and cut them out as well. Trace the body of the motorcycle onto the flattened pieces of aluminium. The body consists of the coloured part of the motorcycle. Trace two sides and the front and back of the motorcycle body. Cut the pieces out and smooth edges (see above).

4

Arrange all pieces of the motorcycle model to see how they will fit together. Glue (with hot glue or regular) the front forks so that they rest on either side of the front wheel. Glue the edges of the body sections together. Tape or glue the windshield at the front end of the body, and place handlebars so that they extend out from either side of the body, just beneath the windshield.

5

Attach the back wheel at the back end of the body using tape. Attach the free end of the front forks to the front of the body. Take the seat and position it so that it lays flat on the top of the motorcycle body. Use glue to secure it into place. If the motorcycle is turned upside down, you will be able to see into the body and the back of the seat. Trace and cut out a kickstand. Tape or hot glue the kickstand to the bottom centre of the motorcycle body.

6

Set your beer can motorcycle upright. It should rest on its kickstand.

Tips and warnings

Do not attempt this project without gloves. You may cut your hands.

Use caution when using a hot glue gun. Do not touch glue as it comes out of the gun or you will be burnt. Allow glue to fully dry before handling.